Copenhaver, Keith (Graduates Ford Tech School 22 July 2015)
(Above) Keith Copenhaver, recent graduate of the Ford Automotive Student Service Education Training program, with Ed Giwojna of Thorp’s Courtesy Auto and Truck Center.
Throughout the last two years, Keith Copenhaver, an employee of Courtesy Auto and Truck Center in Thorp, has been expanding his personal education in the Ford Automotive Student Service Education Training (ASSET) program, and on Wednesday, July 22, Copenhaver received his diploma, making him a Master Technician.
The purpose of the ASSET program, which originally launched in January of 1986 at Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park, MN, was is to assist sponsoring Ford dealerships in obtaining qualified service technicians for their dealership. Throughout the years, Ford has provided participating community and technical colleges with Ford vehicles, components, and software to train dealer-sponsored ASSET students – giving students an in-depth knowledge of Ford’s automotive service technology as well as an Associate’s Degree in applied science.
The ASSET program is especially unique-giving students in-class tutelage on specific parts of a vehicle, then, while knowledge is fresh in the students’ mind, they are put to work in the internship portion of the program in the sponsoring dealership. This hands-on learning experience not only expedites the learning process, but also helps students with information retention. The program took Copenhaver through lessons in engine mechanics and advanced electrical maintenance as well as sessions on hybrid and diesel vehicles.
During the graduation ceremony on July 22 at the Brooklyn Park Campus of Hennepin Technical College, Thorp’s Keith Copenhaver received his diploma from Merrill Irving Jr., Ed. D. President, alongside 10 other graduates.
